75 25HP won't start - backfires

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

You have to remove the flywheel to see the key.
Coil wires mixed up?
 

whywhyzed

Banned
Joined
Feb 1, 2005
Messages
1,871
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

......
 

Attachments

  • kialights 005.jpg
    kialights 005.jpg
    32.2 KB · Views: 1
  • kialights 006.jpg
    kialights 006.jpg
    38.5 KB · Views: 1
  • kialights 007.jpg
    kialights 007.jpg
    38.9 KB · Views: 1
Last edited:

HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

What plugs are you running? What is their condition?
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

Is the backfire a "POOF", sneeze or a loud bang from the exhaust?

You might try the troubleshooting in Engine FAQs. Though it seems you have done some of it, you haven't done all of it.
 

Ranger 330V

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 25, 2007
Messages
242
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

check the wiring to coils over and over..lol. I checked mine 4 times and still missed it. Someone had swaped the wires going into the plug from the powerpack. I'd also check timing. I know when I was getting my 140 going I had to make for sure the timing was at least 2 degrees at idle..if any lower it would get rough and I'd get a backfire once it retarded much under 2 degrees. Runs like a top now. Replace the coil and do a link and sync. Like someone said earlier is it a sneeze/cough or a loud pop/bang out of the exhaust?? I had both..lol. Just got done rebuilding carbs and took care of the sneeze. One of the small round gaskets on the top carbs jet plug was leaking air and I would get a sneeze...well more like a hard cough...lol. Good luck!
 

whywhyzed

Banned
Joined
Feb 1, 2005
Messages
1,871
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

Is the backfire a "POOF", sneeze or a loud bang from the exhaust?

You might try the troubleshooting in Engine FAQs. Though it seems you have done some of it, you haven't done all of it.

It's a loud bang out the exhaust.

I went through all of the "Engine Won't start" in the FAQ thread. going back to review. What I know I didn't do was fog intake with gas as I didn't have any kind of sprayer. and I haven't checked the flywheel key yet.
 

HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

Firing (backfiring) out the exhaust port can be caused only by having the ignition system fire a particular cylinder when the exhaust port is open (piston down). This would sound like a shotgun going off..... is this the condition that you're experiencing?

This can be caused by a sheared flywheel key, or a flywheel with melted (moved) center sensor magnets if they exist, or having the timer base leads routed incorrectly to the powerpack, or having the leads from the powerpack to the coils reversed to mention a few.
 

whywhyzed

Banned
Joined
Feb 1, 2005
Messages
1,871
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

well flipping the ignition leads is certainly easiest to try. then I'll check the flywheel key. and I'll throw new plugs in. Thanks all. I will be back with results.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

That white stuff looks more like a bit of corrosion from here. You sure it's sealant? Looks like blue wire #1 is going to top coil, which is correct. I'd check the key 1st. And breaker points while you are in there.
 

HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

FR, who says ur old, u got eyes like a hawk ;) lol jk
 

HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

Are you using grade 8 hardened bolts on the puller? She should pop off. Thread them in 7/16 then give her heck. No oil or heating is needed or reccomended.
 
Last edited:

Lakester

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 17, 2007
Messages
428
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

hello,

many times when using a puller, and parts stuck. u can load the puller up tight with its nut/shaft... good and tight!... almost to point of bending something... use some oil on threads, too... then let it sit super loaded for up to 1 hour. then come back with a BFH [big ball peen hammer] and smack it HARD :eek: with a cracking smack to the center shaft of the puller. often times this will upset the bond enuff for it to let go.

hope it helps.

regards
lakester :cool:
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

A 25hp flywheel isn't hard to get off, compared to some others. Use your puller with grade-8 bolts as already said and tighten that bugger till it pops off. If it still won't come give the center bolt a whack or two with a hammer. But the big hammer is overkill, (note kill). A 12oz is ideal. It's the shock that does it, not the bash.

Don't be heating that poor thing.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

As above, but use a mallet rather than a hammer or put a wooden buffer over it before smacking it with the hammer.
 

G DANE

Commander
Joined
Nov 24, 2001
Messages
2,476
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

Those Cranckshafts have endplay. Have a helper lift the flywheel - only possible a fraction of an inch, when you whack the puller center bolt. Off it goes !!

That Motor looks brand new, btw, the cleanest I ever saw, take good care of it. 130 PSI is stock compression, new. If your buddy holds the throttle linckage open manually, it will only backfire, not start. Do a sparkcheck, put an appropiate nail in the sparkplug boot, let your buddy hold it with an insulated plier, with the nail 5/16 from ground. If both produce bright blue spark til ground with a snap, leave ignition out for now. It has points ignition and it will not produce a good spark, with key shared, unless flywheel is exactly 180 deg turned. Test and let us know. JB tinkered with a ton with that ignition, i bet, he helped me out with my first.
 

whywhyzed

Banned
Joined
Feb 1, 2005
Messages
1,871
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

......
 

Attachments

  • kialights 008.jpg
    kialights 008.jpg
    38.5 KB · Views: 2
Last edited:

itstippy

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 17, 2003
Messages
548
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

What is the model number of your 1975 20HP Johnson? Just curious. I thought they quit the 20HP in 1973 but in the last couple days I've heard reference to both a 1975 and 1976 20HP.
 

jspringator

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 27, 2006
Messages
415
Re: 75 25HP won't start - backfires

Those 22 CID 25 HP OMC's are very valuable because of their light weight. Probably weighs less than a 4 stroke 10.
 
Top